Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Glen Allen, VA
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Glen Allen, VA and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). For lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. Your Glen Allen, VA family green card lawyer can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, reconnecting you with your family so you can create and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Glen Allen, VA?
To begin, the Glen Allen, VA family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship needed for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is not in the United States are required to wait for visas to become available dependent on the date of submission and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative has a defined preference categorization, which each have their own annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. It's common for Glen Allen, VA applicants to wait for many years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Glen Allen, VA?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and particular know-how. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with complete accuracy. Glen Allen, VA family immigration attorneys can help you with the documentation and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
An immigration attorney in Glen Allen, VA can assist you in complying with ever-changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They know the application’s schedules and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can shorten potential delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Glen Allen, VA as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Glen Allen, VA. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We’re here to help with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.